Austin Hollins and Rodney Williams were not vocal players in years past. That changed when they were named the University of Minnesota’s co-captains this season.

But they still lead best by example.

The No. 21-ranked Gophers fell behind by eight points in the first half against North Florida on Saturday, Dec. 1. But Hollins and Williams provided a spark while combining for 26 points in an 87-59 victory in front of 10,173 at Williams Arena.

“If we get down, I’m never too worried,” said Hollins, who had 12 points, six rebounds and a career-best four blocked shots. “I know we started off slow, but even against a good team I’m never too worried. I think we have the ability to play with anybody.”

Minnesota (8-1) trailed 18-10 when Williams responded with a three-point play on an off-balance layup and free throw. Those were his only points before halftime, but he finished with 14 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks.

Shortly after Williams’ three-point play, Minnesota went on a 15-0 run sparked by Hollins’ two baskets on offensive rebounds, including an emphatic two-hand putback dunk on a missed three pointer to tie the score at 21-21. The play had fans in awe of Hollins’ athleticism, but Gophers coach Tubby Smith was not surprised.

“Austin is a very talented player,” Smith said. “He’s a young man who is capable of doing that.

“I think he took it upon himself to be more aggressive. He saw we were struggling. He’s one of our team captains. He does it by his actions. I’m glad to see him step up and taking charge like that.”

The Ospreys (3-5) never recovered, and Williams put the game out of reach with eight points during a 16-6 run to start the second half for the Gophers, who won their fourth straight game.

Minnesota’s streak includes wins over quality opponents Memphis, Stanford and Florida State. Yet, surprisingly, North Florida gained a bigger lead on the Gophers than any of those other opponents had.

Williams and Hollins could have yelled at teammates in trying to rally the team Saturday. Instead, they took their frustration out on the opponent. So did Trevor Mbakwe, who had all 11 of his points in the first half off the bench. He also let out his familiar scream after muscling in a layup while being fouled just before halftime. That also helped to set the tone.

The Gophers’ bench — Mo Walker and Oto Osenieks also had nine points each — outscored North Florida’s 39-11.

“We’re trying to show by doing things out there, not just talking,” Williams said of he and Hollins. “But everybody was kind of just taking that leadership role, trying to get people pumped up. That second five that came in also did a great job for us.”

Briefly

Smith said senior forward Andre Ingram told him before the game that he couldn’t play Saturday after learning of the death of his grandmother. Freshman Wally Ellenson, who returned to practice last week after suffering a broken hand before the season, did not play.

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